How do I submit a public comment on Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities?

The public comment window for this decision closed on June 8, 2026. The record of what was at stake stays on this page.

When is the public comment deadline for Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities?

The comment window closed on June 8, 2026.

Do public comments actually change federal decisions?

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Affects public lands

Oppose Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities

Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to S50S/LNG and S499 Bulkheads Replacement Project at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration· Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, Narragansett BayFederal Register 2026-09046 ↗

Wildlife Clean water Marine Mammals MMPA Military

The Navy's requested authorization would allow construction crews to disturb marine mammals while replacing two bulkheads at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island. NMFS is considering issuing two back-to-back one-year Incidental Harassment Authorizations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, with possible renewals, and it's currently accepting public comments before making a final decision. Marine mammals in Narragansett Bay and nearby waters could be temporarily harassed by underwater noise and other construction impacts.

In the agency’s own words

NMFS has received a request from the United States Navy (Navy) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to construction activities associated with the S50S/LNG and S499 Bulkheads Replacement Project at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport, Rhode Island (RI). Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue two consecutive 1-year incidental harassment authorizations (IHAs) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on possible one- time, 1-year renewals for each IHA that could be issued under ce…

Federal Register 2026-09046 ↗

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